The reality is, Red Land’s push to becoming a District 3 playoff contender again is attached to moments like Oct. 4, 2019.
Frank Gay’s Patriots, a noticeable 4-2 over the first six weeks of the season, let the next one slip away at West Shore Stadium.
Red Land nearly doubled up Mechanicsburg’s offensive production, but the weight of three turnovers and ill-timed penalties in the fourth quarter opened the door for Mechanicsburg to steal a 16-11 road victory.
The Wildcats would eventually land a postseason bid. Red Land, unable to slow the descent, finished 4-6 overall and missed the playoffs for the fifth season in a row.
“Those are the close games you need to win, and that’s part of learning how to win again,” said head coach Frank Gay, entering his third season after returning to Red Land in 2018.
“They are catching on. We needed to beat Mechanicsburg, which we should of. That keeps the ball rolling and good things start to happen. That’s why this group is so motivated.”
Every season offers new challenges, and at least some new faces in the process of improving the program. The 2020 Patriots are no different, although replacing the vital QB position is top priority.
Tough-minded Adam Cramer earned his diploma, so Gay and his coaching staff, which includes former Mechanicsburg head coach and NFL quarterback Chris Hakel, are running auditions.
Versatile veteran Dylan Robenhaber, a three-year starter, is likely the frontrunner to fill those shoes, but newcomers Landon Henline and Roman Jensen have bolstered the competition.
“Adam Cramer was a heck of an athlete for us. That’s a big void right now,” Gay said.
“We’re replacing some skill guys and have some linemen coming back. I really like this group of kids. They are fun to be around and they’re working their butts off. You know, sometimes you get those teams that don’t really mix. This team is different.”
Red Land's Kaden Peifer celebrates his touchdown against Susquehanna Twp.in their week 8 high school football game. Oct. 11, 2019. Sean Simmers | ssimmers@pennlive.com
Another veteran, jack-of-all-trades receiver, linebacker and return man Hayden Zechman said the team’s confidence, despite the frustrating finish last season, is high.
“The year before (1-9 in 2018), obviously, was tough. Last year we came back a little bit and gained some confidence. This year, we’re more confident in ourselves and we’re working hard,” Zechman said.
“We’ve been getting together a lot, having a couple of night practices a week. We’ll even text some guys and get together. There have been a lot of young guys that want to get in.”
Only hard work, Zechman said, starts to path to regaining a strong footing in the Mid-Penn Conference and beyond. “It’s the key for any player, on any team,” Zechman said.
And, Zechman is a big part of a defense that should steer the Patriots in the early part of the season. Zechman and Rodenhaber were division all-stars a season ago. Kaden Peifer, a first-team all-conference TE, is another anchor at DE.
Red Land’s front seven also will include hard-hitting OLB Chase Lawyer, DE Garrett Hodges, Aaron Snelbaker and, potentially, Parker Lawyer and newcomer Bryce Phillips.
Griffin Socash is part of a developing secondary, where Zechman will slide in at times. Nearly every ’19 starter at linebacker and defensive back returns.
“We feel pretty confident in those areas for the most part,” said Gay. “That’s our strength, and our team unity.”
In addition, Gay said a strong sophomore class is pulling their weight following a 9-1 junior varsity season.
Red Land is scheduled to open its regular season Aug. 28 at Northern.
Follow Eric Epler on Twitter -- @threejacker
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The Link LonkJuly 31, 2020 at 09:45PM
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Red Land building behind veterans, frustrating finish to 2019 football season - PennLive
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